**Summary:** Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transport route, amid escalating regional military tensions following attacks by the US and Israel against Iranian centers of power. The move has raised alarms in international energy markets and shipping.

**Key points:**
- The closure was announced by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) via the Tasnim News Agency, citing strategic importance.
- The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received multiple reports from ships about the closure warning, allegedly from the IRGC.
- The EU naval mission 'Aspides' confirmed receiving VHF radio messages from the IRGC stating no vessel is permitted to cross the Strait.
- The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is vital for transporting about 20% of global oil consumption.
- The US government urged commercial vessels to avoid the Middle East region following the recent military actions.

**Why it matters:** The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil export channel, and any prolonged disruption could immediately increase crude oil prices and risk energy supply interruptions in Asia and Europe.

হরমুজ প্রণালী বন্ধ করে দিচ্ছে ইরান - jagonews24.com

إغلاق مضيق هرمز أمام الملاحة البحرية - زاد الاردن الاخباري

Irán afirma que cerró el estratégico estrecho de Ormuz, en un paso audaz que incendia aún más la región - Clarín

Irán anuncia el inicio del cierre del estrecho de Ormuz y pone en alerta al comercio mundial de petróleo - Huffington Post

Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz amid regional military escalation

**Summary:** Israel and the United States conducted a joint military operation against Iran, which Iran responded to with missile attacks on Israel and US bases in the region, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed full support for the operation and thanked Donald Trump for the decision.

**Key points:**
- Israeli Defense Minister Itzhak Katz stated Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran to eliminate threats.
- Donald Trump confirmed the US military operation against Iran, citing the need to eliminate immediate threats.
- The UAE reported that several Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Dubai and Abu Dhabi were neutralized, resulting in one fatality.
- Saudi Arabia condemned the "Iranian aggression and flagrant violation of sovereignty" of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed support for the Iranian people while condemning the Tehran regime.

**Why it matters:** The coordinated military action between the US and Israel against Iran has significantly escalated regional tensions, prompting reactions from various international actors and leading to retaliatory strikes against US assets in the Middle East.

В Абу-Даби и Дубае сбиты баллистические ракеты,

Саудовская Аравия жестко предупредила Иран

Президент Израиля назвал свои ожидания об операции в Иране

Украйна с позиция за ударите на Израел и САЩ в Иран

Удары по Ирану: Израиль "охотился" за аятоллой и президентом страны, - CNN

Israel and US conduct military operations against Iran; regional reactions follow

**Summary:** Fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban military entered its third day following cross-border assaults, which Pakistan described as a response to militant activity harbored by Kabul. The international community, including the UN, EU, Russia, and China, has expressed deep concern and urged both sides to de-escalate and engage in dialogue.

**Key points:**
- Pakistan's strikes on February 27 targeted Taliban military installations in Kabul and Kandahar, described by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif as "open war".
- Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a charge Kabul denies, claiming Pakistan is deflecting blame for its own security failures.
- Conflicting casualty reports include Pakistan claiming 12 soldiers and 274 Taliban killed, while the Taliban reported 13 fighters and 55 Pakistani soldiers dead.
- The US supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks by the Taliban, whom Washington designates as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
- Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif publicly accused Haqqani Network figures of betraying past Pakistani support.

**Why it matters:** The escalating conflict raises the risk of a protracted conflict along the 2,600km frontier, while UN humanitarian officials warn that continued fighting will increase the already high number of Afghans needing aid.

Pakistan knows how to defend itself against any aggression: PM Shehbaz - The Pakistan National News

UN Chief Guterres Concerned Over Afghanistan-Pakistan Escalation - Deccan Chronicle

US says it supports Pakistan's 'right to defend itself' against Afghan Taliban - The Express Tribune

Asif accuses Haqqani Network of betrayal, demands clarity on Pakistan support - The Express Tribune

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban forces clash as diplomatic efforts intensify - The Straits Times

Pakistan-Afghan Taliban Clashes Escalate; International Calls for Diplomacy Intensify

**Summary:** A military Hercules aircraft belonging to Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos (TAB) crashed near El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia, during landing maneuvers, resulting in at least 15 confirmed deaths and damage to several vehicles. Authorities deployed emergency protocols and established an Accident Investigation Board (JIAA) to determine the cause.

**Key points:**
- The aircraft was reportedly transporting reserves of Bolivian currency (bolivianos).
- Security forces used chemical agents to disperse crowds who gathered, believing money was scattered at the scene.
- Affected vehicles included private vans, minibuses, and a trailer on the Puente Bolivia where the plane fell.
- The Bolivian Central Bank requested the return of the scattered currency, stating it would have no legal value.

**Why it matters:** The incident is one of the most serious recent air tragedies in the region, involving a military transport plane and causing significant civilian casualties and property damage in a busy area.

Acidente com avião militar deixa ao menos 11 mortos na Bolívia - Jornal de Brasília

Al menos 15 muertos y varios vehículos destrozados tras estrellarse un avión militar en Bolivia - Infobae

Military Plane Crash in Bolivia Kills at Least 15, Damages Vehicles

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump directed all federal agencies to cut ties with the technology company Anthropic and stop using its AI model, Claude, following public disputes over ethical use restrictions. The order mandates a six-month phase-out period, threatening civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance.

**Key points:**
- The conflict stems from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei refusing to lift restrictions on using AI for mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons development.
- Anthropic stated that using systems for mass domestic surveillance is incompatible with democratic values, though they support use for foreign intelligence.
- The Department of War reportedly sought unrestricted use of AI products for any legally legitimate context, which Anthropic rejected.
- Trump accused Anthropic of trying to force the Department of War to obey its terms of service over the US Constitution.

**Why it matters:** This executive action signals the administration's intent to control federal technology procurement based on security policies and constitutional principles, raising questions about future public-private AI collaboration.

Reforma - Ordena Trump a dependencias de EU dejar de usar Anthropic

Infobae - Trump ordena a las agencias federales dejar de utilizar el modelo de IA de Anthropic

Trump Orders Federal Agencies to Cease Using Anthropic's AI Model

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the recent negotiations with Tehran regarding its nuclear program, stating Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, though he has not made a final decision on possible US strikes. In response to heightened tensions, France, Germany, and the UK issued warnings or took precautionary measures for their citizens and diplomatic staff in the region, particularly Israel.

**Key points:**
- The third round of talks between the USA and Iran ended in an impasse, with new discussions scheduled for the following week.
- France reiterated its advice against travel to Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank due to security concerns stemming from the situation in Iran.
- Germany also urgently advised against travel to Israel and East Jerusalem.
- The UK relocated some diplomatic personnel from Tel Aviv due to fears the situation could rapidly worsen.
- China requested its nationals to leave Iran as soon as possible.
- The US recommended non-essential embassy staff in Jerusalem depart while commercial flights were available.

**Why it matters:** The breakdown in negotiations and the US President's ambiguous stance on military action have led several key nations to issue travel advisories and take protective measures for their personnel in the Middle East.

Iran-Konflikt: Trump "nicht glücklich" über Iran

Face aux tensions avec l’Iran, Paris et plusieurs pays mettent en garde leurs citoyens

Donald Trump se dit « pas très content » de la teneur des négociations avec Téhéran et affirme ne pas avoir pris de « décision finale » sur de possibles frappes américaines

Trump 'not happy' with Iran talks; several nations warn citizens about regional risks

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump suggested the US might pursue a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, citing the country's severe financial problems and ongoing tensions between Washington and Havana. This follows a recent deadly shooting incident near the Cuban coast involving a US vessel.

**Key points:**
- Trump stated the Cuban government is in 'big trouble' financially and is currently talking with the US.
- The comments followed Cuba's announcement of the deaths of four US crew members after a shooting near Villa Clara province.
- The Trump Administration recently imposed an oil siege on Cuba, demanding an agreement from its leaders.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's team met with former Cuban dictator Raúl Castro to discuss a possible reduction in sanctions.

**Why it matters:** The statement escalates existing geopolitical tensions between the US and Cuba, which are already strained by economic measures like an oil siege.

Trump, sobre Cuba: \"Quizá hagamos una toma amistosa\"

Трамп хоче захопити Кубу?: перші деталі резонансної заяви

Trump, amenaza a Cuba: afirma que EEUU va a iniciar una toma \"amistosa y controlada\" del país

Alerta en Europa: Reino Unido retira a todo su personal de Irán ante llegada del portaaviones de EU

Demócratas exigen que Trump testifique ante el Congreso sobre el caso Jeffrey Epstein

Trump suggests 'friendly takeover' of Cuba amid escalating tensions

**Summary:** A fully occupied tram on Line 9 derailed in central Milan on a Friday afternoon, crashing into a building. The incident resulted in one fatality and at least 39 injuries, with one person in critical condition.

**Key points:**
- The accident occurred around 4:00 PM local time on Vittorio Veneto street.
- Eyewitnesses stated the tram should have gone straight but suddenly veered and derailed.
- The deceased was reportedly a pedestrian trapped under the tram, while passengers fell to the floor.
- The tram driver's cabin was severely damaged, and the vehicle stopped in the entrance area of a restaurant.
- The Milan public transport company (ATM) is cooperating with prosecutors to establish the cause.
- The event took place shortly after Milan concluded hosting the Winter Olympic Games.

**Why it matters:** This fatal public transport accident caused significant casualties in a major Italian city, prompting an official investigation into the cause of the derailment.

Milan tram crashes into building, killing one person, officials say

mehrere Verletze: Mann stirbt nach Straßenbahn-Entgleisung in Mailand

A Milan, un tramway déraille, faisant deux morts et 39 blessés

At least one dead and dozens injured as tram derails and crashes into building in Milan

Deraglia un tram a Milano: due morti e 39 feriti. Un passeggero: \"Ho pensato al terremoto\"

Milan Tram Derails, Killing One and Injuring Dozens